Stefano Pioli believes Fiorentina ‘deserve’ to qualify for the Europa League on the grounds of how his players have put adversity behind them.

Fiorentina’s eight-game unbeaten run came to an end midweek after their dramatic 4-3 defeat to Lazio, but the Viola – who tragically lost captain Davide Astori to cardiac arrest last month – are nonetheless just three points off a European place in Serie A.

“I didn’t sleep, not because we lost to Lazio, even if we deserved more, but because I was already thinking about the trip with Sassuolo, which is a crucial game, and my players know it too,” he said at a Press conference.

“Between now and the end of the season, there are very few games left, so it’s time to give everything we’ve got.

“Why do we deserve to qualify for Europe? For all the work we’ve done so far, the situations we’ve suffered and knowing how to overcome adversity.

“Beyond the tragedy of Astori, it’s right that my players are given credit for what they’ve done.

“We’re strong and we have heart, but it’s not only that. That’s why it's important we give everything until May 20, and then see what’ll happen.

“Transfers? I’d like to work with this squad for another season, even if you can never say in football. However, that’s not our concern right now.”